Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has said he believes the Magpies can challenge for the Premier League title after finishing in fifth place last season.

Manager Pardew has so far kept all of last season's star names, even though he has yet to secure the signing of any of his major summer transfer targets with the exception of Romain Amalfitano from Reims.

And Ben Arfa told the Evening Chronicle: "All the players have stayed here. I think we have to have confidence as we have very good players.

"Maybe if we feel very good, we can finish between fourth and first. Why not? Why can we not say we could be champions?

"Anything is possible. We can challenge for it. We have good players, a good stadium and great supporters. I believe we can do what I say."

France international Ben Arfa, goalkeeper Tim Krul, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba were all rumoured to be targets for other clubs over the summer after shining for the Magpies last season.

But Ben Arfa said he was not interested in going anywhere, explaining: "I am very happy to stay here. I love this club and the supporters. I love them and they like me."